Damocles

noun

Dam·​o·​cles ˈda-mə-ˌklēz How to pronounce Damocles (audio)
: a courtier of ancient Syracuse held to have been seated at a banquet beneath a sword hung by a single hair
Damoclean
ˌda-mə-ˈklē-ən How to pronounce Damocles (audio)
adjective

Examples of Damocles in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But just as affordability may be improving, the Damocles Sword of import tariffs set to go into effect on April 2 represents a roadblock. — Ed Garsten, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 That may well be Trump’s end game after all: The crisis may pass, but the threat of tariffs will hang like the Sword of Damocles over any investments in Mexico and Canada for the remainder of his administration or longer, giving persuasive arguments to corporations to stay at home. — Juan Pablo Spinetto, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Damoklēs

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Damocles was in 1578

Phrases Containing Damocles

Rhymes for Damocles

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Browse Nearby Words

damnyankee
Damocles
Damodar
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Cite this Entry

“Damocles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Damocles. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Damocles

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